How To Apply - Foundation

Don’t forget the less you apply, the longer it will last, and better it will look!

How to apply:

Dab three dots on each cheek, two on the forehead, one on the nose and one on the chin. Then blend foundation all over the face in long, even strokes down the neck, up to the hairline. Use your fingers or sponge to apply. The following is from an article written by Professional Makeup artist - Elke Von Freudenberg

The one thing I like the least, whether it’s applying on a model, or on myself, is foundation application. Why? One, you have to get the perfect match on the first try (even more so in photography) and two, it just takes too darn long to apply.

The best time saver?

A foundation brush. A great one to try is from Avon (actually named “mark Foundation Brush”).

Or try a short round chisel cut blush brush. Just make sure that the hairs are short, soft and chisel cut (i.e. not blunt cut on the ends).

To apply, just pick up with the brush, foundation from the back of your hand, and brush down along the center of the face. Then blend outwards with your brush.

By applying with a brush, you get exactly the right amount on every time, superb blending, it feels great on your skin, and it’s quick. You can easily apply foundation alone in 2-4 minutes. A life saver.


Why does this look different?

Understand that the technique you use to apply your foundation, changes the look of it.

Pure and simple. So if you’re expecting your heavy coverage foundation to cover everything when you’re applying it with a sponge, it’s ain’t going to happen.

Why? Your technique was wrong. Below, we’ll clarify the various techniques.

Foundation: Application Techniques

There’s only so many ways to apply foundation, so let’s clarify the three main techniques:

1. Applying with your fingers

Applying with your fingers, allows your foundation to ‘blend’ into your skin for a more natural look.

Why?

The heat of your hand makes the foundation melt in more and your foundation will look more like skin.

Have a too heavy foundation?

Apply with your fingers and blend.

Fingers also give you the luxury of applying EXACTLY where you want it.

Need better coverage?

Dab on with a finger and tap. Don’t blend, it’ll come right off. By tapping, you’re pressing the foundation right where you need it.

2. Applying with a sponge

Does your foundation seem to not go on?

The culprit could be your sponge. Sponges are great for absorbing, picking up, erasing. Especially foundation. It all goes into the sponge, and not on your face, especially if you use those ‘go on like water’ foundations. (You’ll get better results using your fingers.)

Sponges are great for heavy duty cream bases, stick foundations, and oil-based foundations. You get better control over those products.

Otherwise, use sponges only to blend edges, take off too much product, or erase a product completely. Want a trick of the trade? Use your sponge to get creative with your foundations.

Want a heavier coverage?

Apply a dab of loose powder on the sponge first, then foundation, then apply. The loose powder will thicken up your base.

Want to make a oil-based foundation less oily?

Loose powder works here too to ’soak up’ more oil before you apply.

Want a summer tint?

Dampen your sponge with sunscreen first, then foundation. You have your foundation tint with SPF.


Want to make a thick stick or cream foundation thinner?

Apply with a water-dampened sponge to create a see-through color. (Tip: A water dampened sponge isn’t too friendly with the oil-based foundations. Oil and water don’t mix unfortunately.)

3. Applying with a foundation brush

Foundation brushes are getting a big plug lately, not because it’s a hip new item, but because of the control you have when you use it.

Foundation brushes don’t soak up any product, and applies the product directly on the surface of the skin, as opposed to into your skin like your fingers.

With this, you get better coverage, and you’ll be apt to use less because it’s not disappearing.

And you can easily apply more as you need it,without a caking effect. Just like a mascara wand makes mascara go on easier, so does a foundation brush.

Want foundation to adhere better?

Here’s one of my favorite photography tricks.

Dust a small amount of loose power lightly on clean or moisturized skin first. Then apply foundation as normal. You’ll get less break through shine and your base will ‘adhere’ to the powder, for longer lasting wear. Great for oily skin as well.